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Good guys don’t always finish last

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Illinois

* Statehouse lobbyist Randy Witter retired last month after 48 years. He is honest to a fault, considerate, kind and smart as all get-out. I just cannot say enough good things about him, but this Illinois Times profile by David Blanchette covers a lot of ground…

“I learned early on that if you treat everyone the same way, whether it’s the governor or the janitor, with the same respect, you’re going to get further ahead,” said the 72-year-old Witter. “You don’t necessarily have to get along with them, but you have to respect them.” […]

“I’ve seen God, flag, apple pie and motherhood all go down the drain and I’ve seen pieces of legislation I never thought would pass, get passed,” Witter said. “Most people don’t realize why we have the laws that we have, what goes into the final result.” […]

Witter admitted that many people consider “lobbyist” to be a four-letter word, but “it’s like used car salesmen or attorneys, you’re going to have good ones, bad ones, timid ones, bold ones, you’re going to have every kind.”

And lobbyists are not miracle workers.

“Sometimes the client comes up with a wish list and you have to tell them it is unrealistic, that we have to do something different,” Witter said. “I think it’s important to tell the client the bad news before you tell them the good news. The worst is a lobbyist who doesn’t communicate with the client.” […]

“The legislature is truly a representation of the population of Illinois as a whole. There are people in the legislature that you say, ‘Wow, they are so brilliant, what are they doing here, they could be doing all kinds of other stuff,’” Witter said. “Then there are other legislators that you’d say, ‘Wow, if their constituents only knew.’ And you have to get along with everybody.” […]

Witter plans to do pro bono work for the Illinois Innocence Project and “other causes I think are fair and just” now that he’s officially retired, but “I will avoid trying to get into politics. I’ve often said the Republicans think I’m too much of a Democrat and the Democrats think I’m too much of a Republican.”

Go read the whole thing.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 11:08 am

Comments

I serve on a UIS board with Randy.

He is a top-notch person and lobbyist/advocate.

This place will not be the same without him.

Comment by Matthew Pickett Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 11:19 am
Randy is one of the smartest people I’ve worked with under the Dome. He mentored more young lobbyist than he can probably remember.

With the loss of Don Moss and Dick Lockhart, and Randy retiring, the rail is down to a handful of the “old guys” who understand human service issues and know how to get things done.

I wish Randy nothing but the best, they don’t come any better.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 11:21 am
One work “ gentleman” very rare in that building these days.

Comment by Wow Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 11:33 am
Although, I had limited dealings with Randy. However, I found him to be a very honest and gracious individual who knew his stuff. Another loss of a knowledgeable and honest lobbyist.

Comment by Just curious Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 11:37 am
Known Randy for a number of years. He’s one of the good guys.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 11:37 am
Randy was an integral part of the human internet of the Capitol, back when strong relationships were built upon trust and non-partisanship. He was quiet, not flashy, but he seemed to know everything that was going on. Too bad we can’t just plug in and download all that he knows.

Comment by Suburbanon Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 12:03 pm
Randy and Bob always knew their “stuff” — which is something that cannot be replaced by any amount of technology. Good luck on the quest to decide what to do with the material on the office walls. Perhaps you can send out a memo on disposal for the rest of us

Comment by Steve Brown Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 12:05 pm
Randy Witter is top of the class when it comes to lobbyists. I hope his retirement is as enjoyable as his career has been successful. JN

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 12:17 pm
Wise words from Mr. Witter. Couldn’t agree more.
And: “I’ve often said the Republicans think I’m too much of a Democrat and the Democrats think I’m too much of a Republican.” — happy to share his company in this club. Best of luck in retirement good sir.

Comment by ;) Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 12:22 pm
Randy is a true gentleman, Godspeed enjoy your retirement.

Comment by NorthsideNoMore Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 12:38 pm
Another statehouse classic who will be sorely missed.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 1:13 pm
Had the pleasure to work with Randy as a cub staffer eons ago and then again for a couple of years when I was a cub lobbyist, and as RNUG said, he’s definitely one of the good guys.

The institutional knowledge lost on the rail over the last 7 years or so is pretty incredible, and a shame

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 2:50 pm
Nice article. Amazingly, his firm made money without taking liquor, tobacco or gambling money. That’s a lot of income to pass up on.

Comment by Quizzical Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 3:48 pm
A great “how-to” for young people aspiring to a career “under the Dome” or “at the Rail”.

Comment by Ares Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 4:30 pm